The Broadchurch writer confirmed reports at New York Comic Con that Rowling was previously in talks with former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and David Tennant to collaborate on an episode, with plans eventually scrapped.

David Tennant in Doctor Who (BBC)

But Chibnall is clearly still keen to have the prolific writer on board, telling journalists at the event, “If JK Rowling wants to have anything to do with Doctor Who, please give her my phone number.

“I think she is one of our greatest living writers.

“I think Harry Potter is an absolute transcendent piece of work and continues to be with the theatre play and with Fantastic Beasts. JK Rowling is a genius and if she ever even wants to see what we do on Doctor Who, you tell her from me, the doors are open.”

Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall together in 2014 (Getty, HF)

Although Rowling may not have been on board for the eleventh series of Doctor Who, Chibnall has assembled a crack team of writers observing a multitude of eras and dilemmas the Doctor and her team will face.